Official opposition statement on Trans Day of Remembrance

Official Opposition critic on LGBT issues Randall Garrison (Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca) made the following statement on the Trans Day of Remembrance:

“On this 15th Trans Day of Remembrance, the NDP joins people across Canada and around the world in honouring victims of transphobic violence and in committing to continue the fight against intolerance and violence toward Transgender, Transsexual and gender variant people.”

“Today is an opportunity to foster public awareness about the reality facing the Trans community. It is shocking to see that Trans people continue to face prejudice, discrimination and fall victim to hate crimes both around the world and here at home. We must work to build a more inclusive Canada where transgender and gender variant Canadians can participate fully, on an equal basis and without fear.”

“Canada has a responsibility to support Trans people by explicitly acknowledging their rights and enshrining protection against discrimination and violence in law. Over the past two years some progress has been made in Canada as five provinces have added explicit protection against discrimination to their human rights codes.”

“At the federal level the Senate remains the last obstacle to full legal equality for the trans community, having held up passage of Bill C-279 for nearly two years after its approval by the House of Commons. Once again we urge the Senate to pass this legislation without further delay.”